The cyber security landscape is constantly evolving, with new threats emerging every year. Hackers are getting more and more sophisticated in their attacks, and businesses need to be prepared for anything. To succeed, companies must be know which are the main cyber risks and their consequences. So, let’s look together at the top cybersecurity threats for 2023.
8 cybersecurity threats to watch out for in 2023
1) Healthcare security
The first cyber threat does not concern hacker attack methods, but a sector that has seen a 69 percent increase in cyber attacks from 2020 to 2022. It’s Healthcare.
Technology is advancing rapidly in the healthcare sector, and this means that attackers can target healthcare providers more often and more heavily. At the same time, healthcare providers are under pressure to keep up with the latest cybersecurity protocols, making them a prime target for cyber-attacks.
Within the health care information systems are data from millions of citizens that are throwaway for shady activities, plus -as this is an essential service- operators are willing to do anything to avoid disruptions that, in the worst cases, could even put people’s lives at risk. Unfortunately, in 2023 this trend is expected to continue, so anyone working in the healthcare sector should invest in cyber security.
2) The weakness of the supply chain
The second cybersecurity threat for 2023 is the growing vulnerability of the supply chain. Supply-chain attacks are a major cybersecurity problem because attackers can target multiple parts of the same system, making it much easier for them to find and exploit weaknesses.
As more companies move their operations online, attackers are increasingly turning their attention to the supply chain, making it a prime target for cybercriminals. For example, several EU regulations are pushing big players to strengthen their cybersecurity. As a result, cybercriminals have shifted their focus to the small supplier companies that often have weaker cybersecurity and can therefore act as a beachhead to reach the systems of large companies.
3) Global semiconductor shortage
Another cyber threat not directly related to attacks is the global semiconductor shortage. As the world is increasingly reliant on technology, semiconductor chips play an important role in most industries. Unfortunately, a global shortage of semiconductor manufacturing and design capacity has caused problems across almost every sector. These shortages -and the resulting increase in prices- come with cybersecurity risks. First, when companies can’t get the chips they need, they may be tempted to use outdated parts that are not secure. Second, companies may be forced to buy supplies from unauthorized sources or suppliers with cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
4) Ransomware
Among the threats to cybersecurity (in the true sense of the word) are ransomware.
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files and data, making them inaccessible unless the attacker is paid off with an amount of money. This form of cyber-attack has been around for years but continues to pose a threat as hackers become more sophisticated and attacks become increasingly targeted. In 2023, we expect to see more ransomware attacks targeting both individuals and organizations. In particular, we will see an increase in Ransomware As A Service attacks. RaaS is a type of attack where hackers provide cybersecurity tools and resources to cyber criminals, making it easier for them to launch large-scale attacks.
5) IoT cybersecurity threats
In 2023 companies and consumer must pay attention to the increasing vulnerability of the Internet of Things (IoT). The explosive growth of IoT devices has made them an attractive target for malicious actors, as these devices often have weak cybersecurity protection. Attackers can use compromised IoT devices to launch various types of attacks, ranging from simple data theft to more sophisticated cyber espionage.
6) DDoS attacks
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks are another cybersecurity threat that organizations need to be aware of in 2023. This type of attack uses multiple compromised devices to overwhelm a single target with massive amounts of traffic, causing it to crash or freeze.
These attacks can have a variety of purposes, for example, causing economic damage or ruining a company’s reputation by making a service unavailable, or stealing information (data breach).
7) Phishing attacks
Another cybersecurity threat for 2023 is phishing. Phishing is a form of cyber-attack where criminals use deceptive tactics to gain access to confidential information or systems. The most common tactic is via email, where the attacker impersonates a trusted entity or individual to deceive victims into providing personal data. In 2023, we expect to see more phishing attacks as attackers use increasingly advanced tactics, such as spear phishing and whaling attacks, which are particularly dangerous because they target high-level executives who have access to sensitive information.
8) Deepfake cyberattacks
Deepfakes are computer-generated audio or video clips that appear to be real. These can be used in malicious ways, such as impersonating people online, spreading false information and propaganda, and interfering with cybersecurity measures. This technology has the potential to create huge cybersecurity risks as it becomes more sophisticated, and organizations should be aware of the threat that deepfakes pose. For example, a cybercriminal might use deepfake along with stolen personal data to impersonate a corporate manager and commit fraud, convince employees to share corporate information, or transfer money.
